Lakewood committee substitutes ordinance to sell four vacant lots, asks administration to prioritize density and report within 45 days of any sale

The Housing Planning & Development Committee on April 7 substituted an ordinance that would authorize the city to retain a licensed real estate broker and market four vacant lots acquired through the county land bank, asking the administration to prioritize offers that increase population density and to report details of any sale to council within 45 days.

The committee substituted the ordinance after hearing from Director Byington of Planning & Development, who said the proposed new Section 4 would “prioritize offers that present opportunities to enhance population density compatible with the surrounding parcels.” Director Byington also told the committee the administration prefers to market the lots through a broker but is evaluating use of HOME funds or new construction on some parcels over a longer time frame.

Committee members repeatedly pressed the administration to exercise restraint on two larger “Newman” parcels, asking whether the city should hold those lots until the forthcoming zoning refresh allows more housing types. Councilman Evans asked if the administration would be “receptive to…strike 1584 and 1569 Newman, the 2 larger for now” and proceed with smaller lots; Director Byington replied the city could be “strategic” and hold a parcel if offers do not meet density or neighborhood goals.

After discussion the committee approved the substitute ordinance and separately amended Sections 2 and 3 to require that the Director communicate sale details to City Council within 45 days after a sale rather than the previous “timely” language. The chair moved the substitute and the amendment and voice votes were recorded as passing.

Why it matters: These parcels were created after demolitions and county land‑bank receipts; how they are sold affects neighborhood form and the city’s modest approach to infill and affordable housing goals. Committee members emphasized balancing near‑term market activity with the zoning code rewrite that may allow greater density in the future.

The committee also discussed process details: whether the administration should put all four parcels on the market immediately, use HOME funds on one parcel for new construction, or hold any parcel if proposals fall short of stated density aims. Director Byington said the administration’s recommendation is to market all four but to review offers case‑by‑case and hold parcels when an offer does not “work for the neighborhood or meet our goals of increasing the density.”

Ending: The substitute ordinance was favorably referred to the full council. Council members asked the administration to return with market responses and noted the city will continue to receive vacant lots as county demolitions continue.